In August, the Education Department under President Donald Trump rejected over 300,000 student loan repayment plan requests. Many of these requests were denied due to confusion over which repayment plan was appropriate. This affects borrowers who are faced with continuing their original payment plans.
Key Facts
The Education Department denied 327,955 student loan repayment requests in August.
The denial affects student loan borrowers, potentially leading to higher payments or paused payments where interest builds.
Over 42 million Americans have student loans, with total debt exceeding $1.6 trillion.
802,730 applications for Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans were pending in November.
IDR plans help lower payments based on income, with possible debt cancellation after 20 or 25 years.
Denials cited "unforeseen ambiguity" in choosing the right repayment plan.
Rejected borrowers are encouraged to reapply for repayment plans.
More than 5 million borrowers are in loan default, and wage garnishments may resume soon.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, announced that she is expecting a baby girl in May 2026. This announcement has brought attention to her husband, Nicholas Riccio, who is a businessman with a private profile. Riccio is involved in real estate and manages a company called Riccio Enterprises LLC.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the current White House press secretary.
Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl in May 2026.
The couple has a son named Nicholas (Niko) who was born in July 2024.
Leavitt thanked President Trump and the White House Chief of Staff for their support.
Nicholas Riccio is a businessman, managing real estate under Riccio Enterprises LLC.
Riccio's real estate business began in the early 2000s, and he owns properties in New Hampshire and Boston.
Riccio maintains a low public profile despite his wife's political visibility.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan faced criticism for wearing a hijab during a visit to a Somali market in Minneapolis. This visit came shortly after President Donald Trump criticized Somali migrants following a large healthcare fraud case. The incident has intensified political tensions, especially with Flanagan being considered for a U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
Key Facts
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan wore a hijab during her visit to a Somali market.
The visit occurred at the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis.
Flanagan greeted attendees in Arabic and praised the Somali community as part of Minnesota's identity.
President Trump recently criticized Somali migrants after a major healthcare fraud scheme was exposed.
Critics, including political figures and commentators, strongly reacted to Flanagan's actions.
Some have equated the hijab appearance to political gestures from the George Floyd protests.
Flanagan is a leading Democratic contender for a U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
Federal investigations revealed a potential $9 billion fraud in Minnesota aid programs, involving many Somali Americans.
Ken Paxton is leading the Texas Senate primary race against John Cornyn and Wesley Hunt, according to prediction market Polymarket. The primary, scheduled for March 2026, is gaining national interest as it might indicate the direction of the Republican Party on issues like the economy and immigration. Recent polls show different outcomes, with some voters still undecided.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton has 62% of the potential vote in the Polymarket prediction market.
John Cornyn holds 28%, and Wesley Hunt has 8.8% in the same prediction market.
Another poll by co/efficient shows Cornyn at 28% and Paxton at 27%, with 26% undecided.
A University of Houston poll showed Paxton at 34% and Cornyn at 33%, with Hunt at 22%.
The Texas Senate primary will take place on March 3, 2026.
A runoff will occur in May if no candidate secures the majority.
Public interest is high, with $735,715 in the prediction market's overall volume.
Candidates have made public statements emphasizing their ties or opposition to President Trump.
Florida Democrat Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of altering a holiday photo to remove a diamond ring she allegedly bought with stolen funds. She has been indicted for allegedly stealing $5 million in disaster relief money intended for COVID-19 efforts. Cherfilus-McCormick denies the charges and is pleading not guilty.
Key Facts
Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of altering a photo posted on social media to remove a diamond ring.
She was charged with stealing about $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster-relief funds.
Prosecutors claim the stolen money was funneled into her 2021 congressional campaign.
Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, faces similar charges related to diverting COVID-19 relief funds.
If found guilty, Cherfilus-McCormick could face up to 53 years in prison.
The investigation into these allegations is ongoing.
An Indiana Republican lawmaker, Chris Garten, shared AI-generated images of himself attacking Santa Claus on social media for Christmas. The images sparked mixed reactions, with criticism from various individuals and groups, including the Indiana Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Chris Garten is a Republican Senate Majority Leader from Indiana.
Garten posted AI-generated pictures on social media showing him beating Santa Claus.
The images were shared as part of his Christmas message on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
The pictures included characters holding “Garten for Indiana” signs.
Garten explained the images as a humorous message against bureaucratic control.
The Indiana Democratic Party criticized the post, calling it inappropriate.
The images gained attention and criticism from social media users and commentators.
Simone Biles faced criticism after getting a puppy with cropped ears from a breeder in Georgia. The breeder, William Roots, has received threats following the backlash, primarily from animal rights groups like PETA, who oppose ear cropping and tail docking. Roots defended the procedure, citing legal status and personal choice for pet owners in the United States.
Key Facts
Simone Biles and her husband got a Doberman Pinscher puppy with cropped ears from Regal Empire Dobermans.
The breeder, William Roots, reported receiving threats and racist messages after sharing the news online.
PETA criticized Biles, claiming her choice supported breeder practices that contribute to animal welfare issues.
Ear cropping and tail docking are controversial practices opposed by some animal rights groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Roots argued these procedures are legal, performed by veterinarians, and included in American Kennel Club standards for Doberman Pinschers.
Roots mentioned that docking and cropping can impact a dog's eligibility in certain competitions and cited potential health benefits, though these are disputed by veterinarians.
The breeder compared the procedures to other legal practices such as ear piercing or circumcision.
Roots emphasized that the decision to alter a pet's appearance is ultimately up to the owner within legal boundaries.
Medicare is starting a new test program that uses artificial intelligence to require prior approval for 17 medical services in six states. This program, called WISeR, aims to reduce unnecessary medical services and will affect about 6.4 million Americans on traditional Medicare. The pilot program will start on January 1, 2026, and last for six years.
Key Facts
The new program requires prior approval for 17 specific health services using AI tools.
WISeR will begin in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington.
It will apply only to people on traditional Medicare.
The test aims to prevent unnecessary or inappropriate medical services.
Critics worry that the review process might lead to delays or denied services.
The program will run for six years starting from January 1, 2026.
Approximately 6.4 million Americans on traditional Medicare live in these six states.
A report from WalletHub lists the top U.S. cities for celebrating New Year’s Eve. Orlando, Florida, Las Vegas, New York City, Seattle, and Los Angeles are highlighted for their festivities and amenities. WalletHub used various factors like entertainment, costs, and safety to rank these cities.
Key Facts
WalletHub released a list of top U.S. cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The top five cities are Orlando, Las Vegas, New York City, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
Orlando is noted for its many party supply stores and nightlife options.
Las Vegas is praised for its fireworks and high number of music venues.
New York City is recognized for its iconic celebrations and affordable dining options.
The rankings considered entertainment, costs, and safety among 100 cities.
WalletHub used 26 different metrics to evaluate and score each city.
A survey shows that only three out of ten Americans plan to make a New Year's resolution for 2026, with younger adults more likely to participate than older ones. The most popular resolution is to exercise more, overtaking last year's top choice of saving money. Goals related to happiness, eating healthier, and financial saving are also common.
Key Facts
Only 30% of Americans plan to make a New Year's resolution for 2026.
Adults under 45 are twice as likely as those over 45 to make resolutions.
The most popular resolution for 2026 is to exercise more, with 25% choosing it.
Other common resolutions include focusing on happiness, eating healthier, and saving money.
Just 4% of Americans aim to be more politically involved in 2026.
In 2025, the top resolution was saving money, but exercising more has taken the lead for 2026.
Women are more inclined than men to set goals like losing weight or being happier.
Many Americans feel more positive about their personal year in 2025 than the year for the country.
ICE is spending millions on new surveillance tools to help identify and deport undocumented immigrants. This includes technology like social media monitoring, facial recognition, and location tracking. The initiative has raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse of data covering both immigrants and U.S. citizens.
Key Facts
ICE plans to spend over $300 million on new surveillance technology.
The technology includes social media monitoring, facial recognition, and license plate readers.
Palantir Technologies received a contract worth over $139 million for ICE’s case management system.
Clearview AI was awarded a contract for facial recognition software worth potentially over $9.2 million.
ICE is using mobile apps to collect fingerprints and facial images in the field.
The Privacy Act prevents the federal government from creating a centralized database of Americans' information.
ICE has agreements to share data with agencies like the Social Security Administration and the IRS.
A report from the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity says nearly 25% of American workers are "functionally unemployed." This figure includes those without jobs, those wanting but unable to find full-time work, and those earning low wages. The report suggests the official unemployment numbers might not fully show the current state of the job market.
Key Facts
24.8% of American workers are considered "functionally unemployed."
This includes people without jobs, those unable to find full-time work, and those making $26,000 or less a year.
The "True Rate of Employment" from LISEP decreased by 0.1% since September but increased 0.7% over the past year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the U.S. added 64,000 jobs in November, with unemployment at 4.6%.
LISEP's rate for "functional unemployment" is about 20 points higher than the official unemployment rate.
The TRU is higher for Black and Hispanic workers compared to White workers.
A larger percentage of women are "functionally unemployed" compared to men.
In 2025, U.S. employers announced over 1.2 million job cuts, the highest since 2020.
The United States is experiencing a major change in its religious landscape, with more people identifying as having no religion and many churches closing. This shift affects political strategies and community spaces, as the number of religiously unaffiliated individuals grows.
Key Facts
Nearly 30% of American adults say they have no religious affiliation, up 33% since 2013.
For Americans aged 18 to 29, 38% are religiously unaffiliated, an increase from 32% in 2013.
Approximately 57% of Americans rarely or never attend religious services, a rise from 40% in 2000.
Around 15,000 churches are expected to close this year, with fewer new churches opening.
Reaching out to religiously unaffiliated voters costs more for political campaigns than reaching faith-based voters.
Within the Republican Party, 68% of members are white Christians, while among Democrats, the largest groups are Christians of color and religiously unaffiliated individuals.
The decline in church attendance has left many former church buildings unused or difficult to sell.
Online platforms and AI apps are increasingly being used for spiritual guidance by individuals outside traditional religious institutions.
A man named Antonio Moore allegedly stabbed and killed Rita Loncharich in a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The attack was not personally motivated, and Moore was arrested shortly after the incident.
Key Facts
The victim, Rita Loncharich, was 65 years old.
The stabbing happened at a Barnes & Noble in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Antonio Moore, the alleged attacker, told police he did not know Loncharich and the attack was random.
Moore was homeless and using the store to charge his phone.
The attack was described as a result of an "internal buildup" for Moore.
Police arrested Moore not far from the store after using eyewitness accounts and surveillance video.
Moore has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder and is held without bond.
A court found probable cause for the charge against Moore, and he made his first court appearance in Palm Beach County.
The idea of "remigration," which promotes the forced return of ethnic minorities, is gaining attention in U.S. Republican circles as well as among European far-right groups. Originally linked to Nazi Germany, remigration is part of a broader conspiracy theory known as the "Great Replacement," which claims that non-white people are intentionally replacing white populations. The U.S. State Department has considered creating a department for remigration, and discussions have appeared in government forums.
Key Facts
Remigration advocates for the deportation of non-white people from traditionally white countries.
The concept gained attention in Nazi Germany and later through the Great Replacement theory by Renaud Camus.
Renaud Camus's theory suggests non-white people are replacing white Christians in Western countries.
U.S. discussions of remigration gained traction during President Trump's second term.
The U.S. State Department considered creating a department to handle remigration.
European far-right leaders also support the remigration idea.
Civic nationalists have a different view, supporting voluntary return migration for those who choose it.
Middle school students from across the U.S. participated in the National Civics Bee to test their knowledge of civics and demonstrate young people's ability to influence democracy. Emily Brubaker, a ninth grader from Alaska and the 2024 National Civics Bee Champion, shares her personal journey in civics advocacy and encourages young people to engage in civic activities before they reach voting age.
Key Facts
The National Civics Bee was held in Washington, D.C., with participation from students in 39 states.
Emily Brubaker, from Alaska, was named the champion of the 2024 National Civics Bee.
Emily uses her own experiences with a dental condition to advocate for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act in Congress.
The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act has bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress.
The National Civics Bee aims to promote civic literacy, emphasizing understanding civic rights and responsibilities.
The event offers a $100,000 scholarship called the Bill Daniels National Civics Award.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Daniels Fund launched the National Civics Bee to highlight the importance of civics education.
Applications for the 2026 National Civics Bee are open until February 3.
The article discusses debates within American conservatism and the identity of the Right, highlighted during a recent conference. The event featured disagreements on issues like cancel culture and what views are considered part of the conservative movement.
Key Facts
A conference called AmericaFest took place in Phoenix, focusing on American conservatism.
Ben Shapiro gave a speech criticizing some conservatives for dishonesty and cowardice.
Vice President JD Vance spoke against the idea of canceling or excluding people within the movement.
There was debate over how to handle differing opinions without resorting to "cancel culture."
Charlie Kirk was mentioned as an influential figure whose ideas brought people together at the conference.
The discussions also touched on free speech issues related to social media and tech platforms.
The broader conversation explored which beliefs should be part of the American conservative movement.
A Florida man, Jason Kenney, shot and killed his wife and injured his stepdaughter after an argument about an NFL game. He then took his own life. The incident took place on December 22 in Lakeland, Florida.
Key Facts
Jason Kenney, 47, killed his wife, Crystal Kenney, and injured his 13-year-old stepdaughter.
The argument occurred during an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts.
Jason Kenney had been drinking, and the situation escalated when his wife expressed she did not want to watch football.
After the shooting, Jason Kenney called his sister to confess and was later found dead by suicide.
Two other children, aged 12 and 1, were present during the incident but were not harmed.
A note from Crystal Kenney was found, expressing concerns about Jason's drinking and drug use.
The surviving children are now under the care of their grandparents.
A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from detaining Imran Ahmed, a British anti-disinformation campaigner living in the U.S. Ahmed is fighting against an entry ban and possible deportation linked to his work on digital disinformation. The administration claims that Ahmed's activities amount to censorship and unfairly target U.S. tech companies.
Key Facts
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the detention or deportation of Imran Ahmed.
Ahmed is a U.S. permanent resident and the leader of the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
The Trump administration claims Ahmed's work unfairly targets American tech companies.
Visa restrictions were also imposed on Ahmed and four Europeans for allegedly undermining free expression.
The court will review the case on December 29.
Ahmed claims deportation would separate him from his U.S. citizen wife and child.
The Trump administration argues that such efforts from Europe attempt to censor American viewpoints.
The Trump administration is making changes to health care policies, moving away from the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). The Senate recently voted against extending subsidies that help lower insurance costs, leading to potential increases in health insurance premiums. Experts warn that without these subsidies, many Americans might struggle to afford coverage.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is seeking alternatives to the Affordable Care Act rather than extending it.
Senate voted on December 11 against extending ACA subsidies.
ACA subsidies help people with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
Without subsidies, health insurance premiums could rise by 20%.
Changes including shortened enrollment periods and reduced outreach could affect coverage.
Medicaid cuts also impact Obamacare users as many receive coverage through Medicaid.
Experts indicate that coverage losses could occur, though a complete ACA collapse is unlikely without full repeal by Congress.
